St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has announced plans for a substantial investment in the Memphis area, initiating the construction of the Advanced Research Center II (ARC II), a project estimated at approximately $810 million. This new 16-story facility, which will be situated next to the existing research campus near downtown Memphis, is anticipated to create around 2,000 new jobs, significantly impacting the local economy.
Details of the Project
The ARC II is designed to enhance St. Jude’s research capabilities and will encompass a combination of laboratories, offices, and support spaces for additional researchers and staff. According to the Memphis Business Journal, the building will be the largest single research structure on the St. Jude campus, reaching a height comparable to the i-Bank Tower in East Memphis. The project’s estimated footprint is around 865,000 square feet and will rise approximately 280 feet into the skyline.
Planning documents submitted to local authorities indicate that the new center will be located at 595 Danny Thomas Place. The hospital’s fundraising arm, ALSAC, has proposed clearing and replacing three existing buildings on a 5.8-acre parcel along A.W. Willis Avenue and Danny Thomas Boulevard. In a letter to planners, an ALSAC representative stated, “This expansion is necessary to allow St. Jude to continue its work to advance care and treatment for catastrophically ill children.”
Construction Timeline and Economic Impact
Local reports have confirmed that foundation and early-site permits are already secured, marking the beginning of the initial construction phases. Elkus Manfredi has been appointed as the project architect, with Yates Construction identified among the contractors involved. The hospital is sequencing the project to ensure that core infrastructure is developed prior to the full vertical construction of the tower.
The development is part of St. Jude’s FY22–27 Strategic Plan, an ambitious agenda with an estimated budget of $12.9 billion. This plan includes Project 2300, which aims to recruit and onboard approximately 2,300 new employees across the institution and its operations. The ARC II is framed as a crucial element in boosting both research capacity and recruitment efforts in Memphis.
The economic ripple effects of this significant construction project will extend beyond immediate job creation. Local media have noted that such a large-scale endeavor will necessitate upgrades to utilities and public works systems, influencing future public-works planning and development in surrounding neighborhoods.
As of now, city leaders, local organizations, and potential job candidates are closely monitoring the permit filings and public notices for updates on hiring, leasing, and construction schedules. While St. Jude and local officials have yet to provide a detailed construction timeline, the initial phases suggest a commitment to advancing its mission while contributing to the economic landscape of Memphis.